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  Novel enhanced multiple viscosity linerUSPTO Application #: 20060111792Title: Novel enhanced multiple viscosity liner Abstract: A novel enhanced liner for prostheses provides for better for either off of the shelf or in customized form, to line a prosthetic used by amputees. Striking a balance between controlling the tear strength and imparting resiliency results in a user friendly product that can be easily donned, and doffed and worn without the drawbacks of the prior art. A unique coating allows the user to remove it like a tubular sock-member, and support comfort and convenience. (end of abstract) Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP - Santa Monica, CA, US Inventor: Donald T. Shannon USPTO Applicaton #: 20060111792 - Class: 623036000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Leg, Socket Holder, Cushioning Means (e.g., Pad Or Liner, Etc.) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060111792. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/630,108, filed Nov. 22, 2004 and Provisional Application No. 60/662,182, filed Mar. 15, 2005, the contents of each which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety, as if fully set forth. Full Paris Convention priority is likewise expressly reserved. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] The present disclosure relates to liners used with prosthetics. In particular, the present disclosure relates to liners which enhance the fit and comfort of prosthetics by having a proper balance between resilience and rigidity. [0003] Longstanding needs in the art are related to the fact that the residuary limb of an amputee undergoes structural changes over time, and those who wish to engage in active lifestyles subject their respective prostheses to untoward stresses over time. [0004] Typical amputees' residua tend to decrease in mass over time, owing in part to atrophy, and other stresses to which they are generally subjected. To date, no liner have taken this into account in terms of providing more than one zone of hardness in the liners which will accommodate the needs of active individuals. For this reason the teachings of the present disclosure are offered for consideration and believed to provide an improved way for amputees to lead active lifestyles without any compromise to the fit, comfort or durability of their respective liner systems. [0005] The prior art has turned to adding supplemental structural elements to liners and this impact the ease of use, comfort and other aspects which users do not enjoy, especially those engaged in active lifestyles. Accordingly, by addressing, ameliorating and overcoming these longstanding issues, the teachings of the instant disclosure are believed to constitute progress in the science and the useful art susceptible of Letter Patent grant, and such relief is hereby earnestly solicited. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0006] In brief, a novel enhanced liner for prostheses provides for better for either off of the shelf or in customized form, to line a prosthetic used by amputees. Striking a balance between controlling the tear strength and imparting resiliency results in a user friendly product that can be easily donned, and doffed and worn without the drawbacks of the prior art. A unique coating allows the user to remove it like a tubular sock-member, and support comfort and convenience. [0007] According to a feature of the present invention, there is provided, a residual limb suspension liner for an amputee having a prosthesis comprising, in combination, a closed-ended, air-tight tubular sleeve adapted to envelop the distal end area of a residual limb, the sleeve formed over its entire length of integral layer construction of different viscosity silicone elastomers, said layers being contiguous and integrally joined to each other along the entire outer surface of the inner layer, and the silicone elastomer of said integral layer construction having two different zones of Shore A durometer hardness aligned with predetermined aspects of the amputees' residuum, and being coated with a lubricious layer, whereby it flexes with axial extension or deformation. [0008] According to another feature of the present disclosure there is provided A residual limb suspension liner for an amputee having a prosthesis comprising, in combination, a closed-ended, air-tight tubular sleeve adapted to envelop the distal end area of a residual limb, said sleeve formed over its entire length of integral layer construction of different viscosity silicone elastomers, said layers being contiguous and integrally joined to each other along the entire outer surface of the inner layer, and the silicone elastomer of said integral layer construction having two different zones of Shore A durometer hardness aligned with predetermined aspects of the amputees' residuum, and being coated with a lubricious layer, whereby it flexes with axial extension or deformation. [0009] According to yet another feature of the invention, there is provided a prosthetic apparatus, comprising, a prosthetic liner of generally tubular shape having a rounded, closed distal end and an open proximal end for receiving a residuum, a distal attachment plate secured to said prosthetic liner at said distal end thereof, at least an elongate arm extending from said distal attachment plate in a distal-to-proximal direction, said elongate arm being flexible in a radially inward and radially outward direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of said prosthetic liner and said elongate arm being formed of a predetermined material that is substantially nonstretchable in an axial direction, whereby said elongate arm and said distal attachment plate cooperate with one another to spread the weight of a prosthesis attached to said distal attachment plate to thereby reduce a negative pressure in pounds per square inch exerted by said prosthesis during the swing phase of a gait. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing an embodiment according to the teachings of the present disclosure; [0012] FIG. 2 shows a partial plan view of an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0013] FIG. 3 is another schematic view showing an amputee using, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE [0014] The present inventor has discovered that with conventional liners it is extremely challenging to have both the right flexibility and a proper fit. This is because the general approach has been to use reinforced fabric layers, or supplementary stretch prevention mechanisms that interfere with the ability to put liners on, bend them at the knee, and provide the correct balance of comfort and support. [0015] Within the art of cushioned prosthetic liners, the ability to expand radially while maintaining a desired axial dimension is a long unrequited need. It is essential to balance the cushioning effect upon a residual limb's outer surface with the ability to be flexible for doffing and donning. [0016] To address this issue various prior art devices have imparted flexible zones, used singular axial restriction strips, and employed many different types of associated fabric layers. Incorporated by reference herein, as if fully set forth, are U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,136,039 and 6,231,617, both subject to these types of pitfalls. [0017] Top quality, durable and comfortable flexible prosthetic devices have been developed which require improved liners. (See FIG. 3) Both high-performance prosthetic devices and those designed for moderate activity require comfort and durability, supplied uniquely by the instant technique. [0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, liner 22 is shown generally. According to the instant teachings an outer layer, functioning effectively as low friction sheath 38, works by coating for facilitating donning and wearing of a prosthesis on a residual limb. The outer layer/coating/sheath 38 is configured to remain between the residual limb and the prosthesis during normal use of the prosthesis. [0019] According to an embodiment of the instant disclosure, zone 30 is softer, or is one having a Shore A durometer hardness of 30, which is aligned with predetermined aspects of the amputees' residuum, and being coated with lubricious layer 38, whereby it flexes with axial extension or deformation, whereas second zone 17 for example extending toward the upper under the of prosthetic liner may have a Shore 00 durometer of 50. Continue reading... Full patent description for Novel enhanced multiple viscosity liner Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Novel enhanced multiple viscosity liner patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Novel enhanced multiple viscosity liner or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Durable implant Next Patent Application: Networked communication devices Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Novel enhanced multiple viscosity liner patent info. 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